Cotten-Morris Appointed as Hotel Commences a Multi-Phased Renovation in 2024
ATLANTA (February 13, 2024) –– Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead is delighted to introduce Kristi Cotten-Morris as the newly appointed General Manager. In her role, she will be entrusted with the comprehensive oversight of all hotel operations and staff training, playing a pivotal role in the multi-phase renovation scheduled for 2024. Her focus on team development aims to ensure a seamless launch, and her leadership extends beyond the initial stages, encompassing the ongoing enhancement of the hotel’s offerings.
Under Cotten-Morris’s strategic leadership, Grand Hyatt Atlanta is undergoing a multi-phased renovation to emerge as a coveted luxury destination in Buckhead. This comprehensive transformation encompasses guestrooms, meeting spaces, and public areas, creating a timeless blend of Southern charm and international allure. Concurrently, Cotten-Morris is dedicated to elevating the brand’s presence in Atlanta, aligning it with the prestigious standards associated with Grand Hyatt. As part of this evolution, the lobby bar, arrival, and reception areas are being re-imagined to impart timeless sophistication and playfulness.
With nearly 30 years of seasoned expertise in the hospitality industry, Kristi Cotten-Morris boasts an impressive career, 27 years of which have been dedicated to shaping the legacy of Hyatt hotels. Her journey commenced as a front desk agent at Hyatt Regency Hilton Head Island in 1997, marking the initiation of a remarkable trajectory within the Hyatt family. Cotten-Morris has consistently demonstrated her leadership prowess, steering Hyatt properties through rebrands, renovations, and successful openings. Throughout her tenure, she has fostered an inclusive environment, encouraging team members to strive for excellence. Noteworthy milestones in her career include orchestrating a transformative renovation at Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, where every facet of the property was revitalized.
Her impact extends beyond individual properties, as she served on Hyatt’s opening task force for several years, playing a pivotal role in launching notable establishments such as Hyatt Regency Boston, Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, and Hyatt Regency Jacksonville. In her most recent role at Hyatt Centric Buckhead Atlanta, Cotten-Morris held the position of General Manager, seamlessly leading the successful opening of Hyatt Centric Buckhead Atlanta in December 2021.
“I’m thrilled to guide Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead through this exciting phase of transformation,” shared Kristi Cotten-Morris. “As a pillar in the community, we take pride in our commitment to excellent service and hospitality, and we look forward to continuing this tradition as we embark on this exciting journey.”
Nestled in Atlanta’s vibrant Buckhead neighborhood, the Grand Hyatt Atlanta rises as a twenty-five-story luxury haven seamlessly integrated into the local business and shopping scene. Revered as a community cornerstone, this hotel is the preferred choice for meetings, weddings, and business travelers alike. Beyond its elegant facade, the hotel features a captivating Japanese Zen Garden with a stunning 30-foot. waterfall. The accommodations include 439 guest rooms and suites, with 42,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space. Two dining restaurants, Cassis Restaurant and Onyx at Grand, add to the culinary allure. The venue also boasts three impressive ballrooms ranging from 3,000 to 9,700 square feet, designed to accommodate the tech-savvy requests of events of every size. Over 23 breakout and meeting rooms, expansive pre-function space, meeting planner offices, and a registration desk are available. Two outdoor terraces provide picturesque views of the cascading waterfall, making them ideal for elegant weddings, receptions, and meal functions.
